What Are the Most Popular Types of Contemporary Abayas and Kaftans?

Abayas and kaftans are two of the most iconic garments in modest fashion, cherished for their elegance, versatility, and cultural heritage. They represent tradition while offering endless opportunities for personal styling. In recent years, their designs have become more refined, introducing modern cuts, textures, and embellishments that resonate with women seeking fashionable yet modest clothing.

Exploring the abaya vs kaftan debate highlights not only their differences but also their unique charm and enduring popularity.

Abaya Vs Kaftan: Understanding The Difference

The abaya is typically a long, flowing cloak worn over everyday clothing, often designed with minimal detailing for a refined look. It is most commonly associated with simplicity, offering coverage while maintaining elegance. The kaftan, on the other hand, has a looser cut, often with wide sleeves and more decorative elements. Historically worn in different regions, the kaftan carries a heritage of regal wear, while the abaya is rooted in everyday modesty. Both garments today are celebrated in modern wardrobes, each offering distinct advantages.

Background

Modern women seek clothing that feels authentic while also fitting seamlessly into day-to-day life. This is where contemporary modest wear shines. Abayas and kaftans now incorporate current design elements such as structured tailoring, patterned fabrics, or minimalist accents. They offer modesty without limiting creativity, proving that traditional garments can remain timeless while still feeling relevant.

The Current Trends

Designers continue to create the latest kaftan and abaya styles that merge classic cuts with updated details. These include tailored silhouettes, layered fabrics, and modest embellishments such as beadwork or embroidery.

Open-front abayas, belted versions, and pleated designs are also increasingly popular. Fabrics like crepe, satin, and chiffon bring added sophistication, allowing women to choose garments suitable for both casual and formal occasions. Each design highlights how versatile the abaya has become in modern fashion.

Styling Abayas and Kaftans for Different Occasions

Abayas can easily be styled for daily routines. Pair a simple design with neutral hijabs and minimal accessories for an understated look. For work settings, structured handbags and heeled shoes complement professional abayas. In casual settings, trainers or flat sandals pair effortlessly with open-front or belted styles.

Kaftans often shine in festive gatherings. Embellished or layered designs paired with elegant jewellery and heels create a striking yet modest ensemble. Adding a decorative belt can provide shape while still maintaining the flowing elegance that kaftans are known for.

Colours That Define Modest Fashion

While black remains the most popular choice, modest fashion embraces a wide palette. Deep shades such as navy, burgundy, and emerald green bring richness, while softer hues like beige, cream, and pastel tones add subtle elegance. Patterns such as florals, stripes, or geometric designs also make their way into both abayas and kaftans, adding variety to modest wardrobes.

Popular Types of Abayas

Classic Black Abaya

The black abaya remains timeless for its simplicity and sophistication. It is easy to style with statement accessories and pairs seamlessly with different fabrics and cuts. Many women also prefer to shop for a black abaya online, where a wide range of options allows them to choose between plain designs and embellished pieces.

Open-Front Abaya

Open abayas are among the latest abaya styles because they layer well over trousers, dresses, or co-ords. This design features an open cut at the front, often fastened with buttons or left loose. It allows for layering, making it a versatile choice for casual wear and more formal occasions.

You can belt them for definition or leave them loose for a more fluid movement. They’re ideal for daily wear, work, or prayer, and they transition neatly for occasions with a dressier inner. Standard fabrics include lightweight crepe, chiffon overlays, and soft nidha for a draped, fall-like effect. 

Belted Abaya

With a detachable belt or integrated tie, the belted abaya provides definition to the silhouette while maintaining modest coverage. It is especially popular among women who appreciate both form and function.

Embroidered Abaya

Contemporary abayas now feature tasteful beadwork, lace appliqués, or tonal embroidery. These designs elevate the abaya from an everyday layer to an event-ready outfit, perfect for weddings and Eid dinners. Look for dense embroidery around cuffs and hems for balance that doesn’t overwhelm the silhouette.

Embroidery brings artistry to the garment, with patterns often inspired by cultural motifs. Embroidered abayas work well for celebrations and formal gatherings.

Pleated Abaya

A modern take on the classic cut, pleated abayas introduce texture and structure. They are ideal for women who prefer contemporary yet understated looks.

Closed Abaya (Slip-On)

A closed abaya is pulled on in one piece and provides the most straightforward coverage. It’s popular for commuting and travel because you don’t need to coordinate multiple layers. Opt for breathable crepe for all-season wear; in winter, layer thermal pieces underneath without adding bulk.

Kimono-Style Abaya

Kimono cuts borrow wider sleeves and a straight front, often with a tie or belt. They’re easy to shrug on and off, particularly in warmer months. Lightweight linen-mix or soft crepe versions maintain a relaxed yet polished look.

Butterfly or Batwing Abaya

This is the dramatic piece: wide, continuous sleeves that create a soft, wing-like shape from the shoulder to the hem. It’s exceptionally comfortable and modest without clinging, and it suits both petite and plus sizes thanks to the naturally forgiving cut. Satin, nidha, and crepe deliver fluid movement.

Sport & Travel-Friendly Abayas

Cut from crease-resistant crepe or jersey, these prioritise movement with secure snaps or zips. They’re popular for commutes, airport days, and school drop-offs, modest, neat, and fuss-free. (Some retailers also offer water-friendly or quick-drying options for active use.)

Popular Types of Kaftans

Traditional Kaftan

Rooted in history, the traditional kaftan is loose and often crafted in luxurious fabrics such as silk or velvet. Its wide sleeves and flowing cut make it a statement piece.

Embellished Kaftan

Adorned with sequins, beads, or threadwork, the embellished kaftan is a festive favourite. It is often chosen for weddings, Eid, or family gatherings.

Moroccan Kaftan

The Moroccan kaftan is famed for its craftsmanship, think hand-worked braids (sfifa) and distinctive buttoning (aakad). It’s a single, flowing dress that can be worn loose or belted. For brides and formal events, the two-piece takchita layers an ornate over-gown on top of a lighter underdress for extra volume and embellishment.

Dubai / Farasha Kaftan

A Farasha kaftan drapes with generous, winged sleeves and a relaxed, floor-length cut. It bridges the gap between comfort and glamour, easy to wear, yet striking with the right jewellery and heels.

Resort and Beach Kaftan

Cut from breathable cotton, linen, or silk, these kaftans are designed for holidays, spa days, and effortless at-home comfort. Pair with slip dresses or swimwear for coverage that still feels light. Designers continue to push resort kaftans into everyday wardrobes.

Evening Kaftan

Evening kaftans are crafted from luxurious fabrics such as silk crepe, chiffon, or velvet, often adorned with beautiful embellishments at the neckline. They offer a wonderfully effortless way to make a stunning statement, especially if you love a flowing, relaxed style over a tight, fitted look.

Minimalist Kaftan

For everyday wear, minimalist kaftans in plain fabrics and neutral tones offer effortless elegance. Their simplicity ensures they remain practical without compromising style.

Layered Kaftan

Layered cuts add depth and movement, creating a more dramatic yet modest look. These styles often blend traditional silhouettes with contemporary touches.

How Abayas and Kaftans Complement Each Other?

Abayas and kaftans may differ in origin and cut, but they share the common goal of offering modest coverage while remaining stylish. In many wardrobes, both garments coexist, allowing women to switch between them depending on the occasion. The abaya often represents everyday refinement, while the kaftan provides more expressive options for gatherings and celebrations.

Building A Versatile Modest Wardrobe

A versatile wardrobe combines essential abayas with statement kaftans. The balance allows flexibility for different occasions while keeping modest fashion consistent. Investing in a mix of classic black abayas, embroidered designs, minimalist kaftans, and festive pieces ensures readiness for any event. Choosing a ladies' abaya design that blends practicality with elegance ensures your collection remains timeless while still offering variety for different seasons and gatherings.

Choosing Fabrics for Abayas and Kaftans

Fabric selection determines how a garment feels and flows. Popular choices include:

• Crepe: Lightweight and durable, ideal for daily wear.
• Satin: Smooth and glossy, perfect for formal occasions.
• Chiffon: Soft and airy, often used in layered styles.
• Velvet: Rich and warm, best for colder months and festive events.
  

The fabric not only enhances comfort but also influences the overall sophistication of the outfit.

Accessorising Abayas and Kaftans

Accessories help personalise the look. Hijabs in contrasting or matching colours, structured handbags, and subtle jewellery pieces enhance abayas and kaftans. Scarves with textured finishes, belts for definition, or delicate brooches add further charm. Footwear choices also play a role, with boots for winter, sandals for summer, and heels for formal events.

Care Tips for Long-Lasting Garments

Abayas and kaftans are investments, and caring for them properly extends their life. Dry cleaning delicate fabrics like satin or velvet preserves their shine, while machine washing on gentle cycles suits crepe or cotton blends. Storing garments on padded hangers or in garment bags prevents wrinkles and maintains shape.

Final Thoughts

Abayas and kaftans remain integral parts of modest wardrobes, offering both tradition and style. From classic black designs to embellished festive wear, these garments provide women with choices that feel authentic, comfortable, and fashionable.

The difference between abayas and kaftans makes each special, but their shared ability to bring grace and modesty keeps them equally admired. With Awrah Abayas, women in the UK can explore both abayas and kaftans that merge timeless elegance with modern design, creating a collection that celebrates modest fashion in every form.